This past year brought us closer to home (quite literally) and has helped us rethink some of our daily habits. Here are four tips for a sustainable household from our archives and like-minded friends. 

Reduce Your Impact & Teach The Kids

It’s all about reducing and reusing, eliminating plastic and unnecessary waste. Starting with the kitchen, replace plastic bags, plastic wrap and plastic disposables with high-quality reusable solutions that are easy to clean, add some style and even save money over time. Now we see our kids doing the same thing in their homes and we know that, cumulatively, these small life changes are making a big impact. - Top Tips and Tricks for a Zero Waste Kitchen

Buy in Bulk

Bulk food shopping requires a system but some initial planning pays off over time. First you need to find a store that supports bulk shopping, then you need to have the right containers for transportation and storage. Once the system is in place you don’t have to think about it anymore and it becomes second nature. The key thing to take into consideration is weight. Most bulk stores will let you deduct the weight of a container but some may not. Do the research to find what’s available in your area. Even if you don’t have bulk shopping options in your neighborhood you can make smart decisions at the store. Opt for less packaging, eco-friendly packaging, larger quantities, avoid single-use plastics and shop fresh and local whenever you can. - Sustainability Essentials

Go Green When You Clean

Don’t let your good shopping habits stop with your food purchases. Ditch nasty cleaning chemicals once and for all by switching to green household products or consider making your own. Stocking up on a few key ingredients: vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol and some natural soap will help you clean your house from top to bottom (10 Natural Cleaning Recipes). Add your favorite essential oils for a spring clean that leaves you feeling fresh inside and out. Added bonus: a chemical-free home helps not only the environment but guards your health from hazardous toxins in your home. - Spring Clean Your Habits: The Eco-Friendly Edition

Buy Local & Compost

Shop for goods that are grown close to home. Not only will this provide the best nutritional content when it comes to your produce, it also supports your local growers to ensure they can continue to farm. In addition, freshly picked or harvested, ripe fruits and vegetables will outperform their distant, out-of-season siblings any day. Many times, you can find heirloom or local varieties at farmer’s markets that are not typically sold in stores. Consider signing up for a CSA box from local farms if it’s available in your area. Compost is another great habit to start this year. To avoid any smell in the kitchen, we simply toss our food waste in a freezer bin until we’re ready to toss it in the weekly collection bin. This can also be helpful if you’ve achieved a composting bin on your property so you don’t have to make as many trips. - Sustainability Essentials